AN exhibition of photographs entitled "Knowing Otherwise" and taken of clients attending adult day care services by the award winning not-for-profit organisation The Filo Project will be on display at Crediton Library from Thursday, November 2 to Tuesday, November 14.

The Filo Project supports elderly individuals who are socially and intellectually isolated, most of whom are experiencing symptoms associated with moderate dementia, including memory loss.

It caters for small groups, typically between four and five people, in an intimate home environment. The size of groups, the Project says, is a crucial component to its service as within a small and supportive group, all can hear, all can contribute and no-one is left out; everyone feels valued and validated.

At a stage of life where many older people find themselves often lonely and isolated The Filo Project provides a place where clients can engage in valued and valuable social roles; friends are made, laughter exchanged and memories and experiences shared.

The Filo Project says to clients: "To spend a day with us is to be part of a day which is warm and manageable and in which care is not hurried."

The son of a client said: "After mum dying in September I was concerned dad would become isolated and withdrawn, he was never the outgoing type after having my mum for sole company for nearly 60 years.

"For him The Filo Project has been amazing, he is a more confident person who engages in daily life and has a good sense of contentment. After only a few weeks I saw ’the light bulb’ moment in him.

"The great thing is, it has stimulated him to the degree where he now lives a fairly normal life, cooking, cleaning and really making a good effort. We have days when his short-term memory is not so good but he doesn’t rely on me so much. He’s gone from telephoning me nine times-a-day to possibly four times-a-week.

"This type of therapeutic day care has worked for my dad, we seem to have part of his old self back. To sum it up dad was a hostage of his vascular dementia, feeling uneasy in public not knowing what to say or do.

"The Filo Project has given him a new lease of life and a greater way of coping with his illness.’’

The Filo Project is a lead provider for Devon County Council and earlier this year was delighted to win an "Exeter Living" Award, in the Health category.

POSTIVE IMAGES

The photographs in the touring exhibition are by award-winning photojournalist, Hannah Maule-ffinch, who took the images of clients at sessions.

The Filo Project says the photos showcase the work it does and raises the profile of its model of care.

It says the photos show positive images of people in later life and celebrate the work it does.

Additionally, it hopes that the exhibition will help shift perspectives about living with dementia, as well as highlight the need to provide very personalised and normalised support which fosters the development of social relationships and helps to enhance a positive sense of identity. 

When the exhibition leaves Crediton it will move to Teignmouth Library, Exmouth Library and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in the Spring of 2018.

Alan Quick